Map (zoom in for more detail)
Download file for GPSDirections and GPX
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
Glorious Bike Rides
Glorious Bike Rides
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
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This worked well for us. The route is a substantial improvement on a similar ride to Cookham that we did last year. Jack’s well-chosen diversions onto ever-more-minor roads and tracks were a delight to discover. Some were muddy but firm and passable even on our small-wheeled Moultons. Camping at Cookham Lock would be idyllic!
Two minor issues to report:
– Iver station was closed so we started the ride at Langley.
– The exit from the canal towpath shown on the above map just west of Langley is currently closed – seemingly for construction of a new footbridge over the railway. So you have to continue to the next bridge and re-join the route as shown by our GPS trace at:
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=pximmrygargsjqjv
@georgio8
This was a most enjoyable ride, with some fantastic scenery, particularly during the first section alongside Jubilee River, where we saw a heron, swans and numerous birds. It seemed surreal, being so close to the M4! Cookham village was a delight, and we stopped off at a small sandwich shop where we were able to enjoy sandwiches (brie, walnut & cranberry jam actually!) in their garden. The step by step guide was easy to follow when, on a couple of occasions, we lost the satellite signal on our Garmin device. This is definitely a route we’ll do again sometime
Oh yes – this is a fantastic week-end away from the big smoke. Highly recommend this ride especially for entry level riders. I have just come back after taking my girlfriend on this trip. It’s the perfect combination of off road / b road country lanes with minimal vehicle interaction. The campsite if Cookham is wonderful. Situated in a most idyllic setting surrounded by the beginnings of the Chilterns and waterways either side of you. There are clean shower and bathroom facilities and a site hosted by extremely welcoming lock keepers. It’s a campsite not to be missed and sets you up nicely for the following days ride.
If you can avoid Slough then do! I cheated a little and drove to Egham with our bikes – parked the car overnight at Bishops Gate entrance to Windsor Great Park – Cycled down through the park to Rangers Gate then took the cycle path into Windsor on Route 4 National Cycle Network. This then brings you onto the Jubilee River / Route 61 and close to the beginnings of Jack’s route onto Cookham.
AWESOME.
A word of warning on this ride, the initial canal section at Iver is currently impassable due to excessive amounts of mud on the towpath. Sadly I tried this yesterday and broke my rear mech in the muddy process. Might be a better one for the summer months.
Did take 2 of this yesterday after the muddy disaster first time round. Really enjoyable after the slightly grim start from Iver station to entering the canal towpath.
Great variety of scenery from narrowboats, to a well surfaced bridleway along the Jubilee River with lots of wild flowers and other wildlife to see. Maidenhead and (especially) Cookham are nice places to cycle through, and it was good to have a look at the campsite at Cookham Island – looks like a good weekend away with the kids at some point.
After Cookham it’s much more road based but soon gives way to the familiar “lost” lanes and through Burnham Beeches, all very enjoyable.
The rural idyll comes to an abrupt end in Slough, but on the positive side the trains back to London are fast and frequent. Be aware that you won’t be allowed on the HST services without a prior booking but you can travel on the local stopping trains without issue
Another great ride from this great book!
As of August 2020, just after Upton Court Park, before you reach Datchet Road, the bridge over the motorway is closed.
Love the Lost Lanes routes. I live on this route near Cookham, a real shame not to include Winterhill! Lovely view at top and a great “lost lane” return to Cookham. Also suggest Harvest Hill instead of the busy Bourne End road past Cliveden. Some of the GPX route across the town moor north of Maidenhead is a little off-course. See suggestions in this Garmin course:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/100647854